Tipping Etiquette Differs By Country and Culture

Be in the know with your local business partners by tipping appropriately in their country. In many places, a service charge is already included in the bill, or local customs dictate a percentage below the standard 15 to 20 percent in the United States. Here are some local tipping customs in restaurants provided in Condé Nast Traveler’s tipping guide. Even by region, the practices vary widely.

Latin America – Tipping customs vary widely, from 8 to 10 percent included in the bill in Brazilian and Chilean restaurants, to leaving 10-15 percent in Mexican ones.

Asia – The only tipping that applies universally is to always give the bellman at least $1 per bag. Restaurant tipping varies widely, from absolutely no tipping in China to $1 per diner in Thailand to 10 percent of the bill in Singapore and Malaysia.

Europe – 10 percent is standard for meals in Great Britain and Italy, up to 15 percent in Germany, and in Scandinavia, either the tip is included as a service charge or no tipping is done.

Middle East – It becomes a bit easier here as Dubai, Egypt, Jordan, and Israel all have a set percentage added to restaurant bills.